Hindu community in Chicagoland protests treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh, calls for global action

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Carol Stream, IL, December 8, 2024 –  Leaders, organizations, and advocates from the Chicagoland Hindu community as well as other supporters, held a protest meeting at Rana-Reagan Community Center in Carol Stream, IL to voice their condemnation of  persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.

More than 500 people gathered for the event which also called for global action against the reported targeted violence. Speakers at the event drew parallels to what they described as historical genocides against Hindus in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Kashmir, and contended this could spread to other parts of the world.

Community leaders proposed several measures to tackle the situation including creating a demarcated area for Hindus, urging international organizations to investigate the issue, and economic sanctions against Bangladesh. They also urged Hindu Americans to contact their elected representatives to demand action and to build Hindu unity.

“In 1947, Hindus made up 33% of Bangladesh’s population; today, they are less than 6%. The situation is similar in Pakistan. This is a humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention,” Dr. Bharat Barai said at the event.

Other speakers included Hari Patel, president of Bhartiya Seniors of Chicago, who decried the destruction of Hindu temples in Bangladesh. Siddhesh Shevade, representing HSS USA, who urged Hindu Americans to lobby their local and federal representatives, Nirav Patel, Asian Store Owners Association, who called for an economic boycott of Bangladeshi products. Also among the speakers was Vandana Jhingan who highlighted the plight of Hindu women; Dr. Ram Chakroborty (Chicago Kali Bari) who said there was historical inaction on plight of Hindus in Bangladesh.

Others who spoke included Hemant Patel (Sanatan Shakti Sansthan), Amitabh Mittal (VHPA General Secretary), Laxmi Sarathy (Attorney); Kalpesh Joshi of the hotel owners association AAHOA, Rakesh Malhotra and Amar Upadhya (OFBJP); Vandana Jhingan (Women’s Representative); and Dr. Rashmi Patel (FIA) who urged bringing the crisis to the attention of President Biden and U.S. congressional leaders.

The event concluded with a call to the Indian government to provide refuge for persecuted Hindus from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan; expel illegal immigrants posing threats to national security; and urged global leaders to reassess the tolerance of radical ideologies and promote policies that safeguard minority communities.